Itasca - We Are Water MN
2026-06-18 - 2026-08-10 | Itasca State Park, 36750 Main Park Drive, Park Rapids, MN, 56470, United States
The We Are Water MN traveling exhibit examines water issues statewide and in local communities through personal stories, histories, and scientific information. It strengthens Minnesotans’ relationships with water, exposes visitors to new perspectives, and increases participation in water stewardship activities.
Host Partner: MN DNR Itasca State Park and U of M Itasca Biological Station
As we reach the height of summer in Minnesota, We Are Water MN travels north to a deeply significant site for water in our state: the headwaters of the mighty Mississippi River! The water found at Lake Itasca begins here and flows on its winding way 2552 miles to the Gulf of Mexico. Join the thousands of visitors from all over the state, country, and world this summer and see the We Are Water MN exhibit next to the serenity and natural beauty of Lake Itasca, a national landmark.
This hosting will be within Itasca State Park, run by the DNR, and co-led by the U of M Itasca Biological Station, an active field station devoted to research and teaching on how ecosystems work, with an eye to cultivating an appreciation of their value and preservation for future generations. Itasca Station has been in operation since 1907 and is one of the oldest continuously operational field stations in the United States of America.
About We Are Water MN?
We are Water MN is a project of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and the Minnesota Humanities Center in partnership with the Minnesota Historical Society; the Board of Water and Soil Resources; the Minnesota Departments of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources; and University of Minnesota Extension.
Learn more about the We Are Water MN exhibit, partnership, and programs.
Learn More

Itasca - We Are Water Mn Exhibit Launch
2026-06-18 10:30 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | Itasca State Park, 36750 Main Park Drive, Park Rapids, MN, 56470, United States
Celebrate the launch of We Are Water MN at Itasca State Park with a morning and afternoon filled with free, family-friendly activities.
10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. – Water Encounters: Incredible Journey: Water’s Wild Ride Through the Water Cycle
Imagine being a water droplet as it moves through Earth’s systems! Come and discover the complex pathways that water follows on its journey through the water cycle. Through movement, role-play, and reflection, participants will explore how water changes form and travels through the atmosphere, land, and living things. Everyone will make a beaded charm to represent their water droplet’s journey.
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.- Picnic in the Park
Bring your own picnic lunch to enjoy during the opening activities.
Noon – 1:00 p.m. – Ice Cream Social
Enjoy a sweet treat to help celebrate water! Friends of Itasca are sponsoring the ice cream social. Ice cream available while supply lasts.
1:00 p.m. – 1:45 p.m. – Water Encounters: Water Blessing
Meet at the campfire circle outside the Lakeside Museum in the picnic grounds (in between Lake Itasca and the picnic shelter)
Animikii Graves will perform songs in English and Ojibwe on drum and flute, leading us in an exploration of connections between water, nature, gratitude, and tradition. Water songs will honor the important relationship between women and water in Ojibwe teachings. The program will conclude with a Miigwech (“thank you” in Ojibwemowin) Season ceremony to express gratitude for the gifts of the seasons, as we shift from spring into summer. There will be time for audience questions and conversation about these Anishinaabe teachings. Notes: Seating is limited, consider bringing your camp chair. In the event of rain, the presentation will be held inside the Lakeside Museum or under the picnic shelter by the museum.
About We Are Water MN
We are Water MN is a project of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and the Minnesota Humanities Center in partnership with the Minnesota Historical Society; the Board of Water and Soil Resources; the Minnesota Departments of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources; and University of Minnesota Extension.
We are Water MN is paid for by the Clean Water, Land, & Legacy Fund that was created with the vote of the people of Minnesota on November 4, 2008.
Learn more about the We Are Water MN exhibit, partnership, and programs.
Learn More

Itasca - Wellness by the Water: Watercolor Painting in Nature
2026-06-27 13:30 - 14:30 | Itasca State Park, 36750 Main Park Drive, Park Rapids, MN, 56470, United States
Let’s get creative! Come paint next to Lake Itasca and become inspired by the beauty of Itasca State Park and U of M Itasca Biological Station. Note: a limited supply of paper, watercolor palettes, and brushes will be provided. Feel free to bring your own supplies too!
About We Are Water MN
We are Water MN is a project of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and the Minnesota Humanities Center in partnership with the Minnesota Historical Society; the Board of Water and Soil Resources; the Minnesota Departments of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources; and University of Minnesota Extension.
We are Water MN is paid for by the Clean Water, Land, & Legacy Fund that was created with the vote of the people of Minnesota on November 4, 2008.
Learn more about the We Are Water MN exhibit, partnership, and programs.
Learn More

Freeborn County - Sketches of Minnesota
2026-07-10 17:00 - 20:30 | Events at the Broadway, 201 S Broadway Ave, Albert Lea, 56007, United States
Join the Minnesota Humanities Center, Danger Boat Productions, and Freeborn County Communities Foundation for the Sketches of Minnesota civic improv comedy tour! These free events use laughter and comedy to celebrate Minnesota communities, promote dialogue, bridge divides, and help find ways to work constructively across differences in today’s political environment.
Beginning with a catered meal, these gatherings invite audience members to share what makes their town great, what they think people get wrong about it, what local divisions concern them, and what future they imagine. An improv comedy troupe listens in on the conversations, takes everything they heard from residents, and brings it to life on stage through entirely unscripted improv comedy theater.
5:00–6:00 PM: Doors open / Community hour
6:00–7:15 PM: Dinner
7:15–8:00 PM: Improv show
8:00–8:30 PM: Talkback
Host Partner: Freeborn County Communities Foundation
The work of the Minnesota Humanities Center is to create a stronger Minnesota by increasing our understanding of the beauty, wisdom and stories of its people. Through partnerships, we facilitate the spaces, like Sketches of Minnesota, that seek to build connections and deepen understanding of ourselves and our communities in pursuit of a more just society.
This event is made possible by the generous support of the Saint Paul and Minnesota Foundation.
Registration
This event is free, however registration is required.
Registration Questions: registrations@mnhum.org
Register Now

Itasca - Loon Afternoon
2026-07-11 13:00 - 15:30 | Itasca State Park, 36750 Main Park Drive, Park Rapids, MN, 56470, United States
Enjoy an afternoon of free, family-friendly activities at Itasca State Park and U of M Itasca Biological Station as part of the We Are Water MN exhibit.
1:00 p.m. – 1:45 p.m. – Itasca’s Presenter’s Under the Pines: Loons – A History of a Minnesota Icon
Join guest presenter and storyteller, Steve Maanum, as he takes you on a photographic journey into the lives of the Minnesota state bird.
1:45 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. – Water Encounters: Loon Bingo
Let’s play Yodel — the loon version of Bingo! Play for prizes and learn about loon habitat, predators, and prey!
2:30 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. – Waterwise Science Talk: The Minnesota Loon Restoration Project
Learn how the Minnesota Loon Restoration Project is helping loons thrive through habitat protection, nesting platforms, and volunteer monitoring. Join Loon Program Coordinator, Tim Mitchell, for a project update and discover how you can bring this citizen science effort to your lake.
3:15 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. – Water Encounters: Loon Calling Contest
Wooo! Wail, tremolo, yodel, and hoot — come win a prize and impress with your best loon call at our Loon calling competition! Sign up the day of the competition at the Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center.
About We Are Water MN
We are Water MN is a project of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and the Minnesota Humanities Center in partnership with the Minnesota Historical Society; the Board of Water and Soil Resources; the Minnesota Departments of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources; and University of Minnesota Extension.
We are Water MN is paid for by the Clean Water, Land, & Legacy Fund that was created with the vote of the people of Minnesota on November 4, 2008.
Learn more about the We Are Water MN exhibit, partnership, and programs.
Learn More

Red Wing - Sketches of Minnesota
2026-07-16 17:00 - 20:30 | Red Wing Public Library, 225 East Ave, Red Wing, MN, 55066, United States
Join the Minnesota Humanities Center, Danger Boat Productions, and the Red Wing Community for the Sketches of Minnesota civic improv comedy tour! These free events use laughter and comedy to celebrate Minnesota communities, promote dialogue, bridge divides, and help find ways to work constructively across differences in today’s political environment.
Beginning with a catered meal, these gatherings invite audience members to share what makes their town great, what they think people get wrong about it, what local divisions concern them, and what future they imagine. An improv comedy troupe listens in on the conversations, takes everything they heard from residents, and brings it to life on stage through entirely unscripted improv comedy theater.
5:00–6:00 PM: Doors open / Community hour
6:00–7:15 PM: Dinner
7:15–8:00 PM: Performances
8:00–8:30 PM: Talkback
Host Partners: Anderson Center, City of Red Wing, Jones Family Foundation, Sheldon Theatre, and Red Wing Arts
The work of the Minnesota Humanities Center is to create a stronger Minnesota by increasing our understanding of the beauty, wisdom and stories of its people. Through partnerships, we facilitate the spaces, like Sketches of Minnesota, that seek to build connections and deepen understanding of ourselves and our communities in pursuit of a more just society.
This event is made possible by the generous support of the Saint Paul and Minnesota Foundation.
Registration
This event is free, however registration is required.
Registration Questions: registrations@mnhum.org
Register Now

Itasca - Wellness by the Water: Yoga by the Lake
2026-07-18 10:00 - 11:00 | Itasca State Park, 36750 Main Park Drive, Park Rapids, MN, 56470, United States
Relax and unwind with Yoga by the Lake, catered to all ages and levels of physical fitness! Enjoy nature while benefiting from yoga as the calming view of Lake Itasca and the towering pines overhead center you. This event is part of the We Are Water MN exhibit at Itasca State Park and U of M Itasca Biological Station
Notes: Participants should bring a mat, blanket, or beach towel and should wear comfortable clothing. Led by personal yoga trainers. All levels welcome.
About We Are Water MN
We are Water MN is a project of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and the Minnesota Humanities Center in partnership with the Minnesota Historical Society; the Board of Water and Soil Resources; the Minnesota Departments of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources; and University of Minnesota Extension.
We are Water MN is paid for by the Clean Water, Land, & Legacy Fund that was created with the vote of the people of Minnesota on November 4, 2008.
Learn more about the We Are Water MN exhibit, partnership, and programs.
Learn More

Edge of the Wilderness - Sketches of Minnesota
2026-08-01 17:00 - 20:30 | Edge Center for the Arts, 101 2nd Ave, Bigfork, MN, 56628, United States
Join the Minnesota Humanities Center, Danger Boat Productions, and Edge Center for the Arts for a special return visit of the Sketches of Minnesota civic improv comedy tour! This free event will use laughter and comedy to celebrate Minnesota communities, promote dialogue, and bridge divides. This year, we will also be celebrating the 250th anniversary of our nation and diving into what that means for the Edge of the Wilderness.
We’re excited to welcome back the Sketches of Minnesota to the Edge of the Wilderness and reconnect the community. Beginning with a catered meal, these gatherings invite audience members to share what makes their town great, what they think people get wrong about it, what local divisions concern them, and what future they imagine. An improv comedy troupe listens in on the conversations, takes everything they heard from residents, and brings it to life on stage through entirely unscripted improv comedy theater.
5:00–6:00 PM: Doors open/Community hour
6:00–7:15 PM: Dinner
7:15–8:00 PM: Improv show
8:00–8:30 PM: Talkback
Host Partner: Edge Center for the Arts
The work of the Minnesota Humanities Center is to create a stronger Minnesota by increasing our understanding of the beauty, wisdom and stories of its people. Through partnerships, we facilitate the spaces, like Sketches of Minnesota, that seek to build connections and deepen understanding of ourselves and our communities in pursuit of a more just society.
Registration
This event is free, however registration is required.
Registration Questions: registrations@mnhum.org
Register Now

Little Falls - We Are Water MN
2026-08-13 - 2026-10-05 | Great River Arts, 122 1st Street SE, Little Falls, MN, 56345, United States
The We Are Water MN traveling exhibit examines water issues statewide and in local communities through personal stories, histories, and scientific information. It strengthens Minnesotans’ relationships with water, exposes visitors to new perspectives, and increases participation in water stewardship activities.
Host Partner: Great River Arts
As the summer comes to a close and fall sets in, join We Are Water MN at Great River Arts (GRA) in Little Fall, where creativity meets community. GRA exists to enrich lives through the arts and become the art hub for the Morrison County area, playing a significant role in sustaining the community’s artistic and economic vibrancy. From live theater and music performances to continuous visual art exhibits, art classes for youth and adults, and now the We Are Water MN exhibit, come see how all of the wonderful things that happen when water and art meet!
We are especially excited that the exhibit will be in town during the annual and always highly anticipated Little Falls Arts and Crafts Fair, September 12-13. We look forward to bringing We Are Water MN to the thousands of art enthusiasts visiting the heart of downtown Little Falls.
For this hosting, Great River Arts is partnered with the City of Little Falls, the Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls, and the Morrison Soil & Water Conservation District.
About We Are Water MN?
We are Water MN is a project of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and the Minnesota Humanities Center in partnership with the Minnesota Historical Society; the Board of Water and Soil Resources; the Minnesota Departments of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources; and University of Minnesota Extension.
Learn more about the We Are Water MN exhibit, partnership, and programs.
Learn More

Montevideo - Sketches of Minnesota
2026-08-13 17:00 - 20:30 | Montevideo American Legion Post #59, 613 Legion Dr, Montevideo, MN, 56265, United States
Join the Minnesota Humanities Center, Danger Boat Productions, and Montevideo community for the Sketches of Minnesota civic improv comedy tour! These free events use laughter and comedy to celebrate Minnesota communities, promote dialogue, bridge divides, and help find ways to work constructively across differences in today’s political environment.
Beginning with a catered meal, these gatherings invite audience members to share what makes their town great, what they think people get wrong about it, what local divisions concern them, and what future they imagine. An improv comedy troupe listens in on the conversations, takes everything they heard from residents, and brings it to life on stage through entirely unscripted improv comedy theater.
5:00–6:00 PM: Doors open / Community hour
6:00–7:15 PM: Dinner
7:15–8:00 PM: Improv show
8:00–8:30 PM: Talkback
Host Partner: Montevideo Economic Development Authority (EDA)
The work of the Minnesota Humanities Center is to create a stronger Minnesota by increasing our understanding of the beauty, wisdom and stories of its people. Through partnerships, we facilitate the spaces, like Sketches of Minnesota, that seek to build connections and deepen understanding of ourselves and our communities in pursuit of a more just society.
Registration
This event is free, however registration is required.
Registration Questions: registrations@mnhum.org
Register Now

Emily - Sketches of Minnesota - Digging Into The Emily Mine: What Lies Ahead
2026-08-18 16:30 - 19:30 | Emily City Hall, 44483 State Hwy 6, Emily, 56447, United States
Join the Minnesota Humanities Center, Danger Boat Productions, and the Emily Mine Information Group for a special return visit of the Sketches of Minnesota civic improv comedy tour! These free events use laughter and comedy to celebrate Minnesota communities, promote dialogue, bridge divides, and help find ways to work constructively across differences in today’s political environment.
This year, Sketches of Minnesota is back and is partnering with the Emily Mine Information Group on a special event that will use laughter and comedy to dive into an important community conversation exploring the potential impacts of a manganese mine in Emily. The evening will begin with a social hour and dinner, followed by a facilitated conversation with two experts who will share information about mine permitting, groundwater interaction with the manganese deposit, and potential impacts of the proposed mine. Audience members will engage with the information presented through both a Q&A and improv comedy show.
4:30–5:30 PM: Doors open & Community Exhibits Viewing
5:30–7:30 PM: Dinner & Program
About the Speakers
Joy Anderson, JD-MN Center for Environmental Advocacy (MCEA) reviews mine permitting process and public input opportunities. Before joining MCEA, Joy was a shareholder at Minneapolis law firm Gray Plant Mooty, where she litigated cases and headed the firm’s pro bono program. Joy has provided more than 1,200 hours of pro bono service and was named a 2018 Minnesota Attorney of the Year for her work on a pro bono case. She earned her law degree at William Mitchell College of Law and her B.A. in English and print journalism from the University of St. Thomas.
Bob Karls is a hydrogeologist with over 46 years of experience in solving environmental challenges. He has spent 40 years in consulting but has also worked for the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and the US Geological Survey. Bob holds a bachelor’s degree in Geology and a master’s degree in Hydrology, from University of Minnesota and Arizona University respectively. Bob is also on the Board of Directors of the Northern Waters Land Trust.
Host Partner: Emily Mine Information Group
Emily Mine Information Group’s mission is to “evaluate and disseminate information regarding the risks and benefits of the proposed Emily manganese mine to support economic opportunities in a manner consistent with sound natural resource conservation and community health.”
The work of the Minnesota Humanities Center is to create a stronger Minnesota by increasing our understanding of the beauty, wisdom and stories of its people. Through partnerships, we facilitate the spaces, like Sketches of Minnesota, that seek to build connections and deepen understanding of ourselves and our communities in pursuit of a more just society.
This event is made possible by the generous support of the Saint Paul and Minnesota Foundation.
Registration
This event is FREE, however registration is required.
Registration Questions: registrations@mnhum.org
Register Now

Rochester - Sketches of Minnesota
2026-08-26 17:00 - 20:30 | Rochester Art Center, 30 Civic Drive SE Ste 120, Rochester, MN, 55904, United States
Join the Minnesota Humanities Center, Danger Boat Productions, and Rochester community for a special return visit of the Sketches of Minnesota civic improv comedy tour! These free events use laughter and comedy to celebrate Minnesota communities, promote dialogue, bridge divides, and help find ways to work constructively across differences in today’s political environment.
This time, we invite the Rochester community to take a deep dive into the topic of downtown Rochester – what it means and how it affects residents in the surrounding community and what challenges and opportunities lie ahead for its future. We will begin with a catered dinner conversation discussing downtown Rochester. An improv comedy troupe will listen in on the conversations, take everything they heard from residents, and bring it to life on stage through entirely unscripted improv comedy theater. Following the performance, Rochester civic and community leaders will unpack the evening’s themes in a fireside chat.
5:00–6:00 PM: Doors open / Community hour
6:00–7:15 PM: Dinner
7:15–8:00 PM: Improv show
8:00–8:30 PM: Talkback w/ local leaders
Host Partner: Rochester Art Center
The work of the Minnesota Humanities Center is to create a stronger Minnesota by increasing our understanding of the beauty, wisdom and stories of its people. Through partnerships, we facilitate the spaces, like Sketches of Minnesota, that seek to build connections and deepen understanding of ourselves and our communities in pursuit of a more just society.
Registration
This event is free, however registration is required.
Registration Questions: registrations@mnhum.org
Register Now

Marshall - Sketches of Minnesota
2026-09-10 17:00 - 20:30 | Marshall Area YMCA, 200 South A St, Marshall, 56258, United States
Join the Minnesota Humanities Center, Danger Boat Productions, and Marshall community for the Sketches of Minnesota civic improv comedy tour! These free events use laughter and comedy to celebrate Minnesota communities, promote dialogue, bridge divides, and help find ways to work constructively across differences in today’s political environment.
Beginning with a catered meal, these gatherings invite audience members to share what makes their town great, what they think people get wrong about it, what local divisions concern them, and what future they imagine. An improv comedy troupe listens in on the conversations, takes everything they heard from residents, and brings it to life on stage through entirely unscripted improv comedy theater.
5:00–6:00 PM: Doors open / Community hour
6:00–7:15 PM: Dinner
7:15–8:00 PM: Improv show
8:00–8:30 PM: Talkback
Host Partners: Lyon County Historical Society Museum and Visit Marshall
The work of the Minnesota Humanities Center is to create a stronger Minnesota by increasing our understanding of the beauty, wisdom and stories of its people. Through partnerships, we facilitate the spaces, like Sketches of Minnesota, that seek to build connections and deepen understanding of ourselves and our communities in pursuit of a more just society.
Registration
This event is free, however registration is required.
Registration Questions: registrations@mnhum.org
Register Now

Blaine - We Are Water MN
2026-10-08 - 2026-11-30 | Northtown Library, 711 County Hwy 10 NE, Blaine, MN, 55434, United States
The We Are Water MN traveling exhibit examines water issues statewide and in local communities through personal stories, histories, and scientific information. It strengthens Minnesotans’ relationships with water, exposes visitors to new perspectives, and increases participation in water stewardship activities.
Host Partner: Anoka County Library
We Are Water MN will round out its 2026 tour at the Northtown Library in Blaine! Anoka County Libraries exist to serve their communities and connect them to resources and learning, and We Are Water MN is no exception, bringing water education and engagement to the library. Fun fact: Anoka County is the 4th largest county in the state of Minnesota, comprised of over 360,000 residents! Libraries are naturally places people go to learn, and we look forward to seeing the many water related resources, books, book discussions, and beyond!
Though most of the programming at Northtown will happen indoors, the library also features beautiful outdoor grounds, with a pond and Shoreline Buffer Garden that are on library premises. Join us outside for nature programming!
About We Are Water MN?
We are Water MN is a project of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and the Minnesota Humanities Center in partnership with the Minnesota Historical Society; the Board of Water and Soil Resources; the Minnesota Departments of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources; and University of Minnesota Extension.
Learn more about the We Are Water MN exhibit, partnership, and programs.
Learn More

Luverne - Sketches of Minnesota
2026-10-10 17:00 - 20:30 | Big Top Tent Rental, 321 W Hatting St, Luverne, MN, 56156, United States
Join the Minnesota Humanities Center, Danger Boat Productions, and Luverne community for the Sketches of Minnesota civic improv comedy tour! These free events use laughter and comedy to celebrate Minnesota communities, promote dialogue, bridge divides, and help find ways to work constructively across differences in today’s political environment.
Beginning with a catered meal, these gatherings invite audience members to share what makes their town great, what they think people get wrong about it, what local divisions concern them, and what future they imagine. An improv comedy troupe listens in on the conversations, takes everything they heard from residents, and brings it to life on stage through entirely unscripted improv comedy theater.
5:00–6:00 PM: Doors open / Community hour
6:00–7:15 PM: Dinner
7:15–8:00 PM: Improv show
8:00–8:30 PM: Talkback
Host Partner: Luverne Initiatives for Tomorrow (LIFT)
The work of the Minnesota Humanities Center is to create a stronger Minnesota by increasing our understanding of the beauty, wisdom and stories of its people. Through partnerships, we facilitate the spaces, like Sketches of Minnesota, that seek to build connections and deepen understanding of ourselves and our communities in pursuit of a more just society.
Registration
This event is free, however registration is required.
Registration Questions: registrations@mnhum.org
Register Now
